Ben Carson Advises Trump On Questioning Clinton’s Faith

Neurosurgeon and Donald Trump adviser Ben Carson has some stern advice for the presumptive Republican nominee.

On the campaign trail recently, Trump has been taking constant aim at Hillary Clinton; his most recent attacks have been aimed at her faith. On Tuesday morning, Trump spoke at a private gathering with evangelical leaders in New York City. He told those in attendance to be wary of Clinton’s sincerity when it comes to religion.

“Now, she’s been in the public eye for years and years, and yet there’s no — there’s nothing out there. We don’t know anything about Hillary in terms of religion,” he said while addressing the faith leaders. “There’s like nothing out there. It’s going to be an extension of Obama but it’s going to be worse, because with Obama you had your guard up. With Hillary you don’t, and it’s going to be worse.”

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Trump has also been in the spotlight when it comes to personal faith. Some members of the media have mocked his inability to say Biblical terms correctly, like mispronouncing “Second Corinthians,” as “Two Corinthians.” Others have questioned the genuineness of his faith, pointing to instances such as when Trump said he does not like “to ask God for forgiveness.” Even a top official from the Presbyterian church has rejected the real estate mogul, saying “Donald Trump’s views are not in keeping with the policies adopted by our church by deliberative process.”

In an interview with the Daily Beast, Carson noted that he had “zero interest” in figuring out Clinton’s religious leanings. But he was worried about the constant vilification of it. He had one piece of advice for Trump, and that was to avoid the topic of Clinton’s faith altogether.

“I think people’s faith is a very private issue. The proof is in the pudding.” He also quoted the scripture in Matthew, saying “by their fruit, you will know them. That’s probably the better way,” he said.

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Carson told The Daily Beast that Trump needed to appear more acceptable to a general election audience. In doing so, Carson believes he must tone down some of his rhetoric but still not come off as a political stiff making empty promises.

“It’s possible to moderate to some degree but bear in mind that the reason that he is the nominee is that people are sick and tired of the political class. If he becomes a part of that political class he will be rejected,” Carson said.